Inside Higher Ed
Assistant Director, Strategic Sourcing & Category Manager
Inside Higher Ed, West Kingston, Rhode Island, us, 02892
Assistant Director, Strategic Sourcing & Category Manager
Reporting to the Director of Strategic Sourcing, the Assistant Director, Strategic Sourcing and Category Manager plays a critical role in optimizing the university's procurement processes and maximizing value across its supply chain. This position is responsible for leading strategic sourcing initiatives, developing and implementing category management strategies, and negotiating complex contracts to achieve best‑in‑class results. The ideal candidate will be a skilled negotiator, a strategic thinker, and an experienced professional with a deep understanding of the full procurement lifecycle. This role requires a high degree of collaboration with university stakeholders, faculty, and staff to ensure that procurement activities align with institutional goals and support academic and research missions. The assistant director will work closely with the Director of Strategic Sourcing to provide leadership to the Strategic Sourcing Team, including performing spend analysis, providing guidance to other team members, and leading special projects as assigned. Major Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing (50%)
Lead and manage all aspects of the strategic sourcing process, from needs assessment and market analysis to supplier selection and contract award. Manage the evaluation of supplier proposals and presentations, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process. Coordinate with department representatives and/or committee members through review & selection process. Develop and execute sourcing strategies for high‑spend and critical categories, including Request for Proposals (RFPs), Request for Information (RFIs), and other competitive solicitations. Conduct comprehensive market research to identify potential suppliers, emerging technologies, and industry trends. Analyze spending data and stakeholder requirements to identify opportunities for cost savings, process efficiencies, and value creation. Collaborate with university departments to gain an understanding of unique service level requirements and availability of resources to define requirements and develop clear, concise sourcing documents (ensuring alignment with university goals, bid thresholds, & policies). Develop key performance indicators for chosen suppliers and negotiate to award strategic contracts with measurable SLA metrics that result in cost reductions and improved service levels. Promote the inclusion of socially responsible and inclusive procurement practices in the university’s bid process. Support supplier and contract transition processes, maintaining continuity of service during transition from one supplier to another and ensuring that the appropriate process is followed for termination/non‑renewal of existing contracts. Work with internal departments to plan, coordinate, execute, and track supplier transitions. Category Management (20%)
Develop, implement, and manage multi‑year category strategies for assigned spend categories that meet the university’s business needs. Act as the primary subject matter expert for assigned categories, providing guidance and insights to stakeholders on market trends, supplier capabilities, and best practices. Conduct spend analysis and demand forecasting to inform category strategies and identify opportunities for consolidation or optimization. Establish and maintain strong relationships with key university stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure category strategies are aligned with their objectives. Monitor and report on the performance of category strategies, including savings achieved, risk mitigation, and supplier performance. Become familiar with and promote the use of the university’s group purchasing cooperatives and strategic alliances to leverage competitive pricing and awarded contracts available through these memberships. Contract Support (20%)
Lead and execute negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable pricing, terms, and conditions. Edit, review, and finalize a wide range of procurement contracts, including master service agreements, statements of work, and non‑disclosure agreements using university approved templates. Review, edit, and finalize terms and conditions provided by suppliers to ensure compliance with university requirements and legal obligations. Collaborate with legal counsel, risk management, and other internal departments to ensure contract terms are legally sound and mitigate university risk. Manage new contract requests, contract renewals and amendments; ensuring all changes are properly documented and approved within the university’s contract management system. Resolve contract disputes and issues in a timely and effective manner. Provide timely updates to university stakeholders throughout the negotiation process. Provide guidance to and advise strategic sourcing team members on the development of category strategies, RFP/bid packages (ensuring alignment with university goals, bid thresholds, & policies) utilizing automated bidding tool, and on leading the process with internal and external stakeholders. Provide guidance on the management of bid processes from initiation to award including contract development/negotiation/execution, and coordination with department representatives and/or review committee members through review & selection process. Assist with analysis of proposals/bids and provide consultative guidance on ethics, process, and supplier selection. Provide advice and guidance on the supplier transition process, maintaining continuity of service during the transition from one supplier to another, as well as on requirements for termination of existing contracts. Performance management, supporting professional development and providing feedback and consultation for this key position within strategic purchasing and contracts. Programs and Project Support (10%)
Lead the execution of the university’s supplier performance management program within assigned categories, including the establishment of key performance indicators (KPIs) and regular performance reviews for required suppliers. Manage supplier relationships within assigned categories to ensure high levels of service, quality, and compliance with contractual obligations. Actively support the university’s community engagement initiatives by participating in key initiatives aimed at promoting opportunities for small, local and diverse suppliers. Develop and deliver training and presentations to university staff on procurement policies, procedures, and best practices. Contribute to the continuous improvement of procurement processes and systems and support other assigned tasks. Education And Experience
Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of experience and education in an applicable field such as supply chain management, business administration, finance, logistics or other related field. 7 years of direct experience developing category strategies, managing competitive bid processes utilizing strategic sourcing methodologies, negotiating contracts and building consensus with stakeholders. While experience in higher education procurement is preferred, a proven track record of successful sourcing initiatives, complex negotiation, contract management, and cost‑saving achievements is required. Qualifications
Proven track record of successfully leading sourcing projects and achieving significant cost savings. Strong negotiation skills and contract management experience with ability to effectively assess risk and pursue appropriate commercial terms. Strong analytical skills and experience developing and reporting on metrics and quantifiable savings. Critical thinking and problem‑solving abilities. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to influence without authority. Experience with data analysis using an ERP/WMS (integrated work management systems)
Experience in sourcing and category management across diverse categories of spending; knowledge of procurement in a university setting strongly preferred. Professional certifications in strategic sourcing, supply chain, procurement – strongly preferred. Please include a cover letter when submitting your application.
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Benefits Of Working At Brown
Information on the benefits of working at Brown can be found
here . Recruiting Start Date
2025-10-06 EEO Statement
Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.
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Reporting to the Director of Strategic Sourcing, the Assistant Director, Strategic Sourcing and Category Manager plays a critical role in optimizing the university's procurement processes and maximizing value across its supply chain. This position is responsible for leading strategic sourcing initiatives, developing and implementing category management strategies, and negotiating complex contracts to achieve best‑in‑class results. The ideal candidate will be a skilled negotiator, a strategic thinker, and an experienced professional with a deep understanding of the full procurement lifecycle. This role requires a high degree of collaboration with university stakeholders, faculty, and staff to ensure that procurement activities align with institutional goals and support academic and research missions. The assistant director will work closely with the Director of Strategic Sourcing to provide leadership to the Strategic Sourcing Team, including performing spend analysis, providing guidance to other team members, and leading special projects as assigned. Major Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing (50%)
Lead and manage all aspects of the strategic sourcing process, from needs assessment and market analysis to supplier selection and contract award. Manage the evaluation of supplier proposals and presentations, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process. Coordinate with department representatives and/or committee members through review & selection process. Develop and execute sourcing strategies for high‑spend and critical categories, including Request for Proposals (RFPs), Request for Information (RFIs), and other competitive solicitations. Conduct comprehensive market research to identify potential suppliers, emerging technologies, and industry trends. Analyze spending data and stakeholder requirements to identify opportunities for cost savings, process efficiencies, and value creation. Collaborate with university departments to gain an understanding of unique service level requirements and availability of resources to define requirements and develop clear, concise sourcing documents (ensuring alignment with university goals, bid thresholds, & policies). Develop key performance indicators for chosen suppliers and negotiate to award strategic contracts with measurable SLA metrics that result in cost reductions and improved service levels. Promote the inclusion of socially responsible and inclusive procurement practices in the university’s bid process. Support supplier and contract transition processes, maintaining continuity of service during transition from one supplier to another and ensuring that the appropriate process is followed for termination/non‑renewal of existing contracts. Work with internal departments to plan, coordinate, execute, and track supplier transitions. Category Management (20%)
Develop, implement, and manage multi‑year category strategies for assigned spend categories that meet the university’s business needs. Act as the primary subject matter expert for assigned categories, providing guidance and insights to stakeholders on market trends, supplier capabilities, and best practices. Conduct spend analysis and demand forecasting to inform category strategies and identify opportunities for consolidation or optimization. Establish and maintain strong relationships with key university stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure category strategies are aligned with their objectives. Monitor and report on the performance of category strategies, including savings achieved, risk mitigation, and supplier performance. Become familiar with and promote the use of the university’s group purchasing cooperatives and strategic alliances to leverage competitive pricing and awarded contracts available through these memberships. Contract Support (20%)
Lead and execute negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable pricing, terms, and conditions. Edit, review, and finalize a wide range of procurement contracts, including master service agreements, statements of work, and non‑disclosure agreements using university approved templates. Review, edit, and finalize terms and conditions provided by suppliers to ensure compliance with university requirements and legal obligations. Collaborate with legal counsel, risk management, and other internal departments to ensure contract terms are legally sound and mitigate university risk. Manage new contract requests, contract renewals and amendments; ensuring all changes are properly documented and approved within the university’s contract management system. Resolve contract disputes and issues in a timely and effective manner. Provide timely updates to university stakeholders throughout the negotiation process. Provide guidance to and advise strategic sourcing team members on the development of category strategies, RFP/bid packages (ensuring alignment with university goals, bid thresholds, & policies) utilizing automated bidding tool, and on leading the process with internal and external stakeholders. Provide guidance on the management of bid processes from initiation to award including contract development/negotiation/execution, and coordination with department representatives and/or review committee members through review & selection process. Assist with analysis of proposals/bids and provide consultative guidance on ethics, process, and supplier selection. Provide advice and guidance on the supplier transition process, maintaining continuity of service during the transition from one supplier to another, as well as on requirements for termination of existing contracts. Performance management, supporting professional development and providing feedback and consultation for this key position within strategic purchasing and contracts. Programs and Project Support (10%)
Lead the execution of the university’s supplier performance management program within assigned categories, including the establishment of key performance indicators (KPIs) and regular performance reviews for required suppliers. Manage supplier relationships within assigned categories to ensure high levels of service, quality, and compliance with contractual obligations. Actively support the university’s community engagement initiatives by participating in key initiatives aimed at promoting opportunities for small, local and diverse suppliers. Develop and deliver training and presentations to university staff on procurement policies, procedures, and best practices. Contribute to the continuous improvement of procurement processes and systems and support other assigned tasks. Education And Experience
Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of experience and education in an applicable field such as supply chain management, business administration, finance, logistics or other related field. 7 years of direct experience developing category strategies, managing competitive bid processes utilizing strategic sourcing methodologies, negotiating contracts and building consensus with stakeholders. While experience in higher education procurement is preferred, a proven track record of successful sourcing initiatives, complex negotiation, contract management, and cost‑saving achievements is required. Qualifications
Proven track record of successfully leading sourcing projects and achieving significant cost savings. Strong negotiation skills and contract management experience with ability to effectively assess risk and pursue appropriate commercial terms. Strong analytical skills and experience developing and reporting on metrics and quantifiable savings. Critical thinking and problem‑solving abilities. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to influence without authority. Experience with data analysis using an ERP/WMS (integrated work management systems)
Experience in sourcing and category management across diverse categories of spending; knowledge of procurement in a university setting strongly preferred. Professional certifications in strategic sourcing, supply chain, procurement – strongly preferred. Please include a cover letter when submitting your application.
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Benefits Of Working At Brown
Information on the benefits of working at Brown can be found
here . Recruiting Start Date
2025-10-06 EEO Statement
Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.
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